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Are you hurricane ready?

Last minute tips to make sure you’re hurricane ready
Lightning in dark cloudy sky over trees and streetlights on a rainy day in Lakeland, FL
It’s not too late to start your hurricane preparations. | Photo by @skymaro_009
Whether you’ve spent this week making a hurricane preparation list or are still wondering how much the storm will affect Lakeland, here are a few extra pro tips worth considering before Hurricane Milton makes landfall in Florida.

Remember your neighbor

From a simple exchange of phone numbers + information to grouping your resources for a community hurricane ride-out, working with others can help keep everyone safe.

Take care of your mental health

We know hurricanes can bring out a lot of emotions. Stress, fear, and anxiety are very common. If you need to talk to someone, call Peace River’s 24/7 hotline (863-519-3744) for emotional support.

Finesse your finances

Spending money to prepare for a disaster can be taxing, no doubt. Make sure to plan ahead, list your priorities, and try not to go over a set budget.

Stay in the know

Sign up to receive local emergency notifications from Alert Polk to stay informed on important weather updates. We’ve also compiled a list of important things to know ahead of Milton’s arrival.

Have safety smarts

When running generators, propane tanks, or camping stoves, make sure to use proper safety precautions to keep yourself and others safe.

Protect your pets

It’s always best to make sure your pets are up to date on vaccinations and have current licenses + microchips. But if you’re unsure, take photos of your pets for easier identification. And if an evacuation order is issued, seek pet-friendly hotels and open shelters.

Really though, be prepared

Not sure if you’re entirely prepared for the storm? Take a look at our checklist for more pro tips.

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Plan Ahead
  • 2022 Project Hoco Shopping Days | Sat., Oct. 1 + Sat., Oct. 8 | 11 a.m.-4 p.m. | Lakeland Square Mall | Free | Students can sign a pledge to make safe choices and receive free homecoming formal wear — bring a school ID to shop.
  • Lakeside Village Halloween Bash | Wed., Oct. 5 | 5-7 p.m. | Lakeside Village | Free | Journey through the trick-or-treat trail, meet circus performers, and play free games on the lawn. 🎃
  • Star Wars Trivia Night w/ Smokin’ Chanchos | Wed., Oct. 5 | 6:30 p.m. | Swan Brewing | Free | Compete to see if Yoda biggest Star Wars fan while munching on barbecue.
  • 17th Aching Quad Challenge | Fri., Oct. 7 - Sat., Oct. 8 | Times vary | Lake Hollingsworth, Lake Morton, and Lake Hunter | $55 | Run four races around three lakes and enjoy a group meal + awards ceremony.
  • Classroom to the Sky for Teachers | Sat., Oct. 8 | 7:45 a.m.-3 p.m. | Aerospace Center for Excellence | $80 | Teachers can learn how to inspire future aerospace professionals and take a flight in an aircraft. ✈️
  • Fox Squirrel Corn Maze and Pumpkin Patch | Sat., Oct. 8 | 10 a.m.-5 p.m. | Fox Squirrel Corn Maze, 6151 Varn Rd., Plant City | $10+ | Visit this farm for a corn maze, hay rides, horseback riding, a bluegrass band, and Southern food. 🐿
  • “It’s not over” Seeds of Hope Fundraising Banquet | Thurs., Oct. 13 | 5:30 p.m. | SUN ‘n FUN | $75+ | Enjoy dinner, a silent auction, and a keynote speech by Tyler Merritt at this fundraiser to benefit Talbot House Ministries.
  • Swantoberfest 2022! | Fri., Oct. 14 - Sun., Oct. 16 | 12-7 p.m. | Swan Brewing | Free | Celebrate Oktoberfest season with Gold Medal-winning beers, live music + food trucks. 🍺
  • Secret & Symphony No. 4 | Sat., Oct. 15 | 7 p.m. | Polk Theatre | $21+ | Join the Lakeland Symphony Orchestra as they kick off their season with selections by Bach, Dun, and Brahms. 🎻

With Hurricane Ian on the move, please note events are subject to be postponed or canceled. Be sure to check in with event hosts and businesses via social media to be aware of any cancelations or event updates.

For tickets to local and regional events, check out our 6AM Tickets resale marketplace.*
100+ MORE EVENTS

Your guide to surviving Lakeland allergy season
A collection of three bottles of allergy medications sitting in a field of ragweed and grass.
This 3-minute online allergy quiz was designed by allergists to give you the best recommendation for treating your unique allergy symptoms. | Photo provided by Picnic
At LALtoday, we love everything about fall. Almost everything — cozy sweaters are great, but we could do without the inevitable spike in allergies. (And no, it’s not just you — allergies are much worse these days.)

But you don’t have to suffer in sneezy, itchy silence. Picnic is a one-stop shop for allergy treatment, with individually customized plans that combine over-the-counter and prescription med solutions so you can live your best Lakeland life unbothered.

Bonus: LALtoday readers get 20% off.*
BANISH ALLERGIES FROM YOUR LIFE

Weather
  • 79º | Thunderstorms | 100% chance of rain
Number
  • 13. That’s how many emergency shelters opened in Polk County schools yesterday. There are also shelters for those with special needs + pets. See the list of shelter locations here. Pro tip: Bring a seven-day survival kit packed with essentials. (LkldNow)
Edu
  • Polk County Public Schools will be closed through Thurs., Sept. 29. Sports + after-school activities are still canceled, and further closure plans will be communicated via phone call, email, and social media. 🏫
Community
  • Several local spots have announced closures, from Polk County environmental lands to schools and small businesses. Events like the Just Between Friends of Lakeland 2022 Fall Sale are being rescheduled for future dates. We hope you filled in your planner with a pencil. (The Ledger)
  • As you prepare your home for the incoming storm, the City of Lakeland is asking residents not to place loose debris or junk on your curb without a scheduled pickup. Garbage pickup has been suspended at this time. 🗑
Health
  • Lakeland Regional Health has canceled elective surgeries scheduled for today, Sept. 28 and tomorrow, Thurs., Sept. 29. Corporate offices will also be closed through tomorrow, but the Lakeland Regional Health Medical Center and Emergency Department will continue to operate as normal.
Environment
  • As forecasts continue to change, Polk County Emergency Management Director Paul Womble is expecting flood damage, especially in low-lying areas. Need to evacuate? Find your evacuation zone. (Fox 13 News)
Answered
  • Many Lakelanders are asking which gas stations are still open — or a better question, which ones actually have fuel? Use this map from GasBuddy to find an open gas station near you. ⛽️ (Bay News 9)
Biz
  • Can’t keep all your belongings safe from the storm? U-Haul locations around the Tampa Bay area are offering 30 days of free storage, including two Lakeland locations. See the locations + details here. (WTSP)
  • Your home isn’t the only thing that needs protection in a hurricane. The Lakeland Chamber of Commerce shared tips for business owners on how to stay prepared, including a Ready Business Hurricane Toolkit.
Pets
Finance
  • About to swipe your card? Ask yourself these Qs before making a purchase to figure out if it’s a smart buy. 💸 *
Travel
  • It’s time to fiesta like there’s no mañana. Starting Sun., Nov. 6, Orlando International Airport will begin servicing nonstop flights twice a week to Guadalajara, Mexico via Frontier Airlines. (Read: Now is a great time to start planning a getaway.) 🇲🇽 *
Biz
  • Meet the startups that call Catapult home. Got a business idea? The next featured business could be yours. Check out Catapult’s membership plans to help bring that idea to life.*
Real Estate
  • On the lookout for a home with max year-round outdoor living? Meet The Rhi by Hulbert Homes — a 5 BD, 4.5 BA stunner with a detached game room + patio along with a lanai that’s perfect for starting or ending the day. 🏡 *
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THE WRAP

Today’s issue was written by Connor.

Editor’s pick: Schools are closed, but that doesn’t mean learning can’t happen — just ask Girls Inc. Yesterday, the girls in this nonprofit program made maracas + agua de plátano to celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month while school was out.

Missed yesterday’s newsletter? Learn how to decipher a spaghetti model here.
Read More
Connect with us.

Editorial: Rilee Delgado, Connor Keith, Jessalin Heins-Nagamoto, Kaylee Holland, Ashlea Hearn, Emily Shea | Send us a scoop, question, or feedback.

Sales: Kailey Burke | Advertise with us.

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